When the retentions for the IPL 2025 were released, Rishabh Pant was not retained by Delhi Capitals (DC). That came as a big surprise to many around the cricketing fraternity, given the way Pant has performed and led Delhi in the last few years.
Moreover, Pant has been at DC ever since he made his IPL debut. The left-handed wicket-keeper batter has gone past the 300-run mark in seven out of the eight editions he has played. In 2024, he got 446 runs at an average of 40.55 and a strike-rate of 155.40. Overall, his IPL record reads 3284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike-rate of 148.93.
According to Sunil Gavaskar, Pant may not have been retained due to the price. The first retention price was INR 18 crore but the legendary Indian batter and commentator believes it was the price where the dispute came in. Hence, Gavaskar added that DC could use the Right to Match (RTM) option with Pant in the auction. Otherwise, they will have to go searching for a new captain.
“Delhi would certainly want Rishabh Pant back in the squad. Sometimes when a player is to be retained, there is talk between the player and franchise about the fees that is expected. As you can see, some of the players who have been retained by the franchise have gone for more than what the No. 1 retention fee would’ve been. Maybe there was some disagreement over there (fees). My feeling is Delhi would definitely want Pant back because they need a captain as well. If Rishabh Pant is not in their squad, then they have to look for a new captain,” Sunil Gavaskar was quoted saying on Star Sports.
That’s when Pant hit back and took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to reveal that his retention was not about money. He replied to Star Sports’ tweet and said, “My retention wasn’t about the money, for sure that I can say.”
Delhi wanted a new captain which forced them to look beyond Pant
According to reports, the Delhi franchise were not pleased with Pant’s captaincy and wanted to invest in another skipper. They were open to retaining him but not as captain. Thus, there were more rumours that the 27-year-old wanted to remain captain and also be involved in the appointment of the new coaches and other support staff. And that is what prompted DC to release him.
Pant is now one of the big names in the upcoming mega auction. There are a lot of people who are betting on him to be the most expensive player in the auction.
